Categories: SHOPPING

Save the Dates: What to Buy in December

The ultimate holiday-filled month is here, and if you’re like us, you’re excited and ready to celebrate while still in shopping mode. Luckily, December is still a great month for savings, starting out strong with Cyber Monday and Travel Tuesday, but that’s not all. There are many ways to save this month as holiday festivities approach and we’re here to help you find deals and shop smarter along the way.

Whether you got a head start on gift shopping in the previous months or are taking a more last-minute approach this year, you’ll have tons of great findings to choose from as you shop. Check out our interactive calendar above and keep checking this space for updates on deals throughout the month. You can even shop deals you like directly from the calendar or save reminders to your device! Additionally, we’ve used our internal discount data to calculate the average discounts shoppers can expect in popular categories throughout December. For more on top sales and categories that allow you to be extra savvy, read on.

Top Sales to Shop in December

RMN’s 100 Best Gifts: Shop our top picks and find sale prices you don’t want to miss.
Cyber Monday Deals: Check out the best Cyber Week deals from your favorite retailers.
Travel Tuesday Deals: Don’t miss amazing travel deals available on this special day of savings!
Vera Bradley Outlet Black Friday Sale: Black Friday deals run through Dec. 5 at Vera Bradley Outlet! Score 70% off full-price items during the sale.
Shutterfly RetailMeNot Exclusive: We have a RetailMeNot exclusive deal! Get 40% off your regular-priced order when you spend $59 or more online or through the Shutterfly app.
adidas End of Year Sale: Score up to 60% off sale styles with no code needed now through Dec. 31!
RMN’s December Cash Back Boost Event: Get up to 20% cash back at your favorite stores and brands from December 12-15.
Costco New Membership Promo: Join as a new Costco member online and enroll in auto-renewal of your annual membership to receive a $45 Digital Costco Shop Card.

The 5 Smartest Things to Shop for in December

1. Photography Services (Average Discount: 45% Off)

Photo gifts make incredibly special, personalized gifts thanks to the customization options. Thankfully, many brands offering this service have awesome deals this time of year so that you can give the sweetest gift yet. Pay extra attention to shipping deadlines since custom gifts can take longer.

Here are some brands we love to shop for photography services:

2. Computers & Electronics (Average Discount: 22% Off)

The tech-obsessed person in your life is in luck, especially if you’re feeling generous this year. There are many awesome electronics deals to be found around the holiday season if you know where to look. Luckily, we know, and we always share our secrets!

Check out deals at these electronics brands we love:

3. Clothing (Average Discount: 19% Off)

Score low prices on new fashion statements that make excellent gifts or extra winter staples to have on hand. Whether you’re hoping to give a fashionista, kiddo or new mom the perfect gift or give yourself more wardrobe options, take advantage of the season’s clothing deals.

Shop some of our favorite clothing brands that always offer great savings:

4. Gifts (Average Discount: 19% Off)

Retailers know everyone and their mother will be gift shopping at the same time, so they want to offer attractive prices to get your business. There will be major markdowns at several places you’d think gift shop with and others that may surprise you, too.

Look for gifts from these retailers we adore:

5. Travel (Average Discount: 15% Off)

Travel Tuesday is a major day of savings for globetrotters, but if you happen to miss it, don’t despair. This is a good month for travel savings all around. Browse reliable travel brands for deals to give an adventurous gift or take yourself on a well-deserved getaway.

Score epic travel deals with these reliable brands:

Honorable Mention: Toys

Retailers don’t want to have excess toys once Dec. 26 rolls around, so expect markdowns in the final days leading up to Christmas. While this isn’t a recommended way to get your hands on the toy of the year, you can still score great deals on toys, stocking stuffers, games and more that kids will love.

Extra Tips for Shopping Smart This Season

With holiday shipping deadlines and inflated prices, keep the following top of mind this month:

Note shipping cutoffs: Pay attention to shipping deadlines. Retailers will typically announce the dates you need to order by to ensure your gift arrives on time. Note that these will generally be around the middle of the month but sometimes sooner. This is especially key if you’re hoping to avoid the cost of expedited shipping.
Utilize free in-store and curbside pickup: Use the services retailers offer that make your life easier, especially when doing extra shopping. Take advantage of buy online, pick up in-store services or curbside pickup when you see them as an option. This is a key way to avoid stress related to shipping dates.
Find gifts that don’t require shipping: Another way to avoid shipping stress is to avoid shipping altogether! Think outside the box with unique gifts like experience gifts, digital subscription gifts, gift cards or subscription boxes.
Shop grocery stores’ and big-box retailers’ weekly ads: Several retailers offer these, and they are perfect for extra savings on seasonal treats and more. Target has a particularly good weekly ad we love. Keep an eye out!
Buy gift cards from restaurants, get gift cards for free: Pay attention to promos from chain restaurants around this time of year. Some will offer free gift cards when you buy gift cards, so you can enjoy a little freebie yourself when shopping for foodie friends.
Pick up some holiday home goods for next year: Don’t wait until the holiday season begins next year to snag the decor of your dreams. Shop from the last-minute deals later this season for the lowest prices and store your findings away to make next year’s festivities extra bright.